Primitive Methodist Church.

Manawatu Herald, 8 November 1898, Page 3

Primitive Methodist Church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVER-

SARY.

The above church celebrated their anniversary last Sunday, when there were good congregations, the services being taken by the Rev R. Hall, of Wellington, by special invitation. The Rev gentleman was listened to with marked attention and his discourses were much enjoyed. The singing of the children was a special feature in the services. On Monday evening a public meeting was held, Mr E. Osborne the superintendant, in the chair. The report of the Secretary, Miss Simpson, was read, which showed there were 90 scholars on the roll ; average attendance* 58 ; 13 teachers, and an increase • of scholars was shown of 21 for the year. The income for the year had been £4 15s 6d, and expenditure £4 355, having a balance of 13s 6d. Mr Howan, in a few appropriate remarks, referring to the children gathered together, said they remimded him of one large nursery, where all the most precious plants were kept, and he went on to show how important it was.that they should be trained early in the fight path. They had all to be thankful that they had teachers who took such an interest in their spiritual education. Mr Grindley spoke of some of the most important details of Sunday School work. He laid special stress on the fact that something should be done to keep their older scholars from leaving Sunday School. He said that in Wales none were to old' to attend, some keeping up their schooling till 80 years of age ; but to be able to do this they must have modal teachers, men of intense earnestness, perception and tact. ~Mr E. Westwood, in speaking on Sunday School work, said a teacher held one of the most ennobling positiens in the Church of God. To teach the rising generation was a work of vast importance. He could not urge too strongly the fact that the parents were in a large measure responsible for the training of their children, and if influenced for good in early age that influence would never be lost. The Rev. R. Hall said he must congratulate them all on the successful work that had been achieved in the past year, there being an increase all round. He said the subject of Sunday School work was of such importance that there was a difficulty to know what to say in such a short time for the best. He wpuld urge all who had work to do to seek guidance in prayer in the preparation ot the lessons, in their feelings with their scholars, whose dispositions require separate treatment, but while in this attitude let the Lord lead you, do not make up your mind one way and be disappointed if your prayer is answered differently. He wished them success and prosperity in their Suuday School work. Rev. Woollass (who had just arrived that evening from Wellington) said he was pleased to hear they had had such successful services. He said the work with the young people was the greatest they had, greater than the preaching of the Gospel, as the young men and women were the generation of the future. He urged the teachers to be ■patient. He did not know how soon they might be taken from us. Addressing the children, he said, if you are only determined and ambitious to do the right there is always a foremost place in the world for you. He did not want them to grow up mere ciphers but to be an influence for good in the community. He would move a hearty vote ot thanks to the Rev. Hall for his presence with them, and to the superintendant and teachers for their work during the past year. During the evening the children sang very nicely several of their pieces under the conductorship of Mr E. Osborne. The meeting closed with prayer. ... The Sunday School picnic in connection with the above is to te held in the Victoria Park to-morrow.